Sophie Paine MTI, IIR, MAR – Biodynamic Massage and Reflexology

Biodynamic Massage is a way of gently supporting you towards physical and emotional ease, restoring vitality and well-being helping you reconnect with yourself at a deep level when you may feel disconnected, out of balance or experiencing symptoms of chronic disease or other physical or emotional challenges.

One of the principles underpinning Biodynamic Therapy is the idea that if life events, stresses or trauma (minor or major) have not dealt with or processed at the time they occurred that emotional residue remains in the body tissues, in our breathing, posture and behaviours.

Who can Benefit from Biodynamic Massage?

It can be helpful for anyone experiencing stress related symptoms such as:

Headaches and Migraines

Aches and Pains

Digestive problems

Muscular tension or lack of tone

Anxiety and Panic attacks

Insomnia

Depression

Fatigue and Low energy

Mood swings or Energetic extremes

other physical or emotional symptoms which may be impacting a person’s capacity to enjoy life.

It can also helpful in addressing the effects of trauma which may be experienced as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or any of the above symptoms.

What are the Benefits of Biodynamic Massage?

Some of Biodynamic Massage’s beneficial effects include:

Rebalancing the nervous system

Relaxation

Vitalisation

Pain relief

Relief of internal emotional pressure

Release of muscular tension

Toning of under-toned muscle

Increased body awareness

Release of toxins

Discovery of a more “natural” breathing pattern

How does it work?

It involves a wide range of specialist massages designed to reach and work with all the layers of the body, from the bone up to muscle, connective tissue, skin and the energy body or aura level. Depending on our personal history and experiences we may hold unprocessed emotions, felt as stress, on any of these levels.

We’re all unique so the massage is a process of exploring to find this out, to reconnect and release these ‘stuck places’ and, importantly, to provide holding and structure where this may have been lacking.

How is it different from other Massage approaches?

Biodynamic Massage is designed to help us, literally, digest our stress.

During the massage sessions a specialist stethoscope is placed on your tummy to give biofeedback used to guide the massage. This is a central concept of the Biodynamic approach Gerda Boyesen (who developed the Biodynamic approach) called Psychoperistalsis and indicates the secondary function of the digestive system that of emotional digestion.

Unlike other massages no oil or wax is used during the session and we can either work through clothes or directly on the skin.

Central to the effectiveness of the massage is our therapeutic relationship. I will meet you with sensitivity, non-judgement and always respect your confidentiality. First establishing a safe and supportive atmosphere we can work in together is essential to your healing and well-being.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a holistic healthcare system which treats the whole body through the feet and sometimes hands. It can be a gently effective way of relaxing and balancing mind and body. It can be a great way to encourage your body’s natural healing mechanisms.

I originally trained in the Ingham Method of Reflexology with the International institute of Reflexology. This method was developed by Eunice Ingham a pioneer Physiotherapist in the US in the 1930s. I use this as the basis of most of the treatments I give. It involves working specific areas on feet and/or hands with a pressure that feels right for you. This stimulates reflex pathways to all the body’s systems encouraging better circulation, and improved health and well-being.

Reflexology is known to reduce stress and tension and promote relaxation. Reducing stress in turn may help with other stress related physical and emotional symptoms such as sleep problems, headaches, anxiety, general aches and pains and digestive issues.

In 2014 I completed a training to support couples experiencing fertility issues with Seren Natural Fertility and am currently a member of the Association of Reproductive Reflexologists.

Sophie has worked in holistic healthcare since 1996 and is a registered member of the Massage Training Institute, The Association of Reflexologists and is a member of Member of the Association of Reproductive Reflexology.